/PRNewswire/ -- Just days before the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new statewide survey reveals that Georgians have little exposure to persons with disabilities and understanding of the daily challenges they face.
According to the survey commissioned by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), only one-third of Georgia's general public come across or interact with persons with developmental disabilities in their everyday life (33 percent), even if they or a family member has a disability (44 percent). Further, most (nearly 38 percent) said when they do encounter a person with a disability, they immediately feel sympathetic about the difficulties that person must experience on a daily basis. However, the survey also reveals that the general public isn't really aware of what those difficulties are. Respondents cited prejudice, discrimination, lack of acceptance, fear and stigma as the top issues persons with developmental disabilities face when trying to participate fully in community life. While participants representing the disabilities community agreed, they also ranked practical and survival issues such as accessibility, needed supports to live independently, job opportunities and finances as difficulties experienced in everyday living in landslide margins.
"This survey reveals that persons with developmental disabilities and their issues are still somewhat invisible to everyday society," said Eric Jacobson, executive director, GCDD. "Although, we have made progress as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still a lot of education to be done among the general public; and the best way for that to happen is to create a society that better integrates persons with disabilities in our schools, workforce and community. Understanding comes through exposure and awareness. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is committed to achieving this goal through public policy, advocacy, programs and public information."
The research is the first statewide survey of its kind conducted by GCDD. The objective of the study was to explore the perceptions, attitudes and awareness of developmental disabilities issues among the general public and contrast it to the opinions of those living with and impacted by the challenges on a daily basis. The study identifies representatives of the disabilities community as individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as members of grassroots advocacy organizations and providers of services.
Attitudes About Capabilities of Persons with Disabilities in Everyday Society
A majority of all survey respondents (55 percent of the general public and 78 percent of disabilities community participants) agreed that adults with disabilities should be able to live on their own with supports and services and not in institutions. However, the general public wasn't as confident in the ability of people with developmental disabilities to achieve career success or a child with disabilities' adjustment to learning in a traditional classroom.
-- Only one-quarter of the general public and nearly 28 percent of
participants from the disabilities community believed that it was very
likely for persons with developmental disabilities to have careers
with opportunities for advancement.
-- More than half (52.8 percent) of the general public said that children
with developmental disabilities would benefit most from being in
separate classrooms or special schools versus learning in general
classrooms with regular education students.
-- While nearly 60 (58.4) percent of disabilities community participants
believed that children with developmental disabilities would benefit
most from general classrooms with regular education students.
"A stigma still exists among the general public and their views of the abilities, and perceived limitations, of persons with developmental disabilities. We have a firm belief and confidence that persons with disabilities can and should participate fully in real communities - enjoying real careers, living in real homes, learning in real environments, exerting real influence and receive real supports as needed. These are people that can contribute to society," Jacobson said.
What is a Developmental Disability?
The survey also revealed a lack of clear understanding of what conditions could be classified as a developmental disability. While developmental disabilities can be mental and/or physical, most did not associate the term with physical disabilities or impairments.
-- A majority of respondents (84 percent of the disabilities community;
64 percent of the general public) were more likely to consider mental,
cognitive or learning disabilities as developmental disabilities.
-- Visual and hearing impairments were the least mentioned by the general
public (4.5 and 4 percent, respectively).
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities defines a developmental disability as "a chronic mental and/or physical disability that occurs before age 22 and expected to last a lifetime. It may require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency."
Survey Methodology
The GCDD study on perceptions on developmental disabilities was conducted via telephone and online surveys among residents of Georgia, individuals living with developmental disabilities and their families, members of advocacy organizations and service providers who work directly with disabilities. The sample to survey participants from the disabilities community was derived from subscribers to GCDD's statewide list-serv database. The sample for the general public was a random sample among Georgia residents. The total sample size was 379. Respondents were: state residents; 18 years or older; male or female and registered voters. There is a plus or minus 5 percentage point margin of error for the overall sample.
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Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
New Mailing Rules for Tobacco Products Set for Summer
/PRNewswire/ -- To comply with legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products will be subject to new mailing regulations effective June 29, 2010. The law, Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, Public Law No. 111-154, was signed into law March 31.
With only a few limited exceptions, the Postal Service will no longer be allowed to accept or transport packages containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products. The general mailability ban will extend to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The prohibition does not include cigars.
Shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii will continue, subject to certain labeling and acceptance requirements.
The law does permit infrequent lightweight shipments by age-verified adults to recipients who are at least the age of majority for purchase of tobacco. Shipments between businesses in the tobacco industry will also be permitted, as well as cigarettes sent to consumers age 21 and above for testing or public health purposes.
Most shipments will require photo identification and age verification consistent with the minimum age requirements in the locality of destination.
With the exception of shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii, shipments are permitted only via Express Mail and, with the exception of shipments from the United States to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, will be delivered using "hold for pickup" service at the destination Post Office.
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With only a few limited exceptions, the Postal Service will no longer be allowed to accept or transport packages containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products. The general mailability ban will extend to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The prohibition does not include cigars.
Shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii will continue, subject to certain labeling and acceptance requirements.
The law does permit infrequent lightweight shipments by age-verified adults to recipients who are at least the age of majority for purchase of tobacco. Shipments between businesses in the tobacco industry will also be permitted, as well as cigarettes sent to consumers age 21 and above for testing or public health purposes.
Most shipments will require photo identification and age verification consistent with the minimum age requirements in the locality of destination.
With the exception of shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii, shipments are permitted only via Express Mail and, with the exception of shipments from the United States to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, will be delivered using "hold for pickup" service at the destination Post Office.
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008
/PRNewswire/ -- Between 1960 and 2008, the population in coastline counties along the Gulf of Mexico soared by 150 percent, more than double the rate of increase of the nation's population as a whole. On the eve of hurricane season, this area now is home to nearly 14 million residents, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report issued today.
The report, Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008, examines population trends along the country's saltwater edges - coastline counties - and their shares of coastline states during the period. Specifically, it analyzes trends in the growth and decline, geographic distribution and density of the coastline population. It also incorporates historical data on the trajectories of hurricanes striking the U.S. coastlines to gauge the coastline population's experience with hurricanes.
The Gulf Coast's population growth over the period surpassed that of coastline counties along the Pacific (110 percent) and Atlantic (56 percent). The region has experienced double-digit rates of population increase each decade since 1960. The Gulf Coast was home to six of the eight U.S. coastline counties with the fastest population increases over the 48-year period, led by Collier County, Fla., which grew by 1,900 percent (from 15,753 to 315,258). At the same time, the region contained six of the 11 coastline counties most frequently hit by hurricanes during that time, with Monroe County, Fla., leading the list with 15, and Lafourche Parish, La., tied for second with 14.
"Coastline counties along the Atlantic and Gulf, as well as the Hawaiian Islands, account for nearly two-thirds of the nation's coastline population and are home to four of the nation's 10 most populous counties," said Steven Wilson of the Census Bureau's Population Division, who co-authored the report. "As hurricane season begins, this report should put into perspective the number of Americans living along the coast who might be affected."
All in all, 87 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. population, live in coastline counties, including more than 41 million in Atlantic and 32 million in Pacific counties. In 1960, only 47 million lived in coastline counties.
Other highlights include:
-- The number of housing units along the Gulf of Mexico's coastline
increased by 246 percent from 1960 to 2008, compared with 130 percent
in the Pacific and 98 percent in the Atlantic coastline regions and
121 percent for the U.S. as a whole. The number of housing units along
the U.S. coastline grew from 16 million to 36 million during this
time.
-- On average, the 11 coastline counties that were hit by 11 or more
hurricanes from 1960 to 2008 increased in population by nearly 179
percent and had a housing unit increase of 255 percent. Among these
counties, only Hyde, N.C., lost population (-10.1 percent) and only
St. Bernard Parish, La., lost housing units (-2.6 percent).
-- The coastline share of Maine's total population climbed by 9
percentage points from 1960 to 2008. New Hampshire, Virginia and
Alaska also had increases of more than 5 percentage points. In
contrast, the share of Maryland's population in its coastline counties
dropped 14 percentage points and California's by 10 points.
-- Excluding Alaska, the average density of coastline counties increased
from 260 people per square mile in 1960 to 480 in 2008. On average,
they are twice as densely populated as noncoastline counties. Among
the coastline states, only the coastline sections of New York (between
1970 and 1980), Louisiana (from 1980 to 1990 and 2000 to 2008) and
Mississippi (from 2000 to 2008) had declines in population density
during any decade.
-- New York County (Manhattan), N.Y., is the most densely populated
coastline county, with nearly 72,000 people per square mile in 2008.
Between 1960 and 2008, Orange County, Calif., and Pinellas County,
Fla., joined the list of the 20 most densely populated coastline
counties, with Orleans Parish, La., and Westchester County, N.Y.,
dropping off.
-- Nearly half of the nation's coastline population in 2008 was in either
California (29 percent) or Florida (16 percent).
-- Most coastline counties (223 of 254) experienced population gains from
1960 to 2008, including all counties from the southern coast of North
Carolina through Mississippi, and all counties from California through
Washington.
The report uses 100 percent-count decennial census data for the years 1960 through 2000, estimates of the total population for July 1, 2008, and the demographic components of change for 2000 to 2008.
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The report, Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008, examines population trends along the country's saltwater edges - coastline counties - and their shares of coastline states during the period. Specifically, it analyzes trends in the growth and decline, geographic distribution and density of the coastline population. It also incorporates historical data on the trajectories of hurricanes striking the U.S. coastlines to gauge the coastline population's experience with hurricanes.
The Gulf Coast's population growth over the period surpassed that of coastline counties along the Pacific (110 percent) and Atlantic (56 percent). The region has experienced double-digit rates of population increase each decade since 1960. The Gulf Coast was home to six of the eight U.S. coastline counties with the fastest population increases over the 48-year period, led by Collier County, Fla., which grew by 1,900 percent (from 15,753 to 315,258). At the same time, the region contained six of the 11 coastline counties most frequently hit by hurricanes during that time, with Monroe County, Fla., leading the list with 15, and Lafourche Parish, La., tied for second with 14.
"Coastline counties along the Atlantic and Gulf, as well as the Hawaiian Islands, account for nearly two-thirds of the nation's coastline population and are home to four of the nation's 10 most populous counties," said Steven Wilson of the Census Bureau's Population Division, who co-authored the report. "As hurricane season begins, this report should put into perspective the number of Americans living along the coast who might be affected."
All in all, 87 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. population, live in coastline counties, including more than 41 million in Atlantic and 32 million in Pacific counties. In 1960, only 47 million lived in coastline counties.
Other highlights include:
-- The number of housing units along the Gulf of Mexico's coastline
increased by 246 percent from 1960 to 2008, compared with 130 percent
in the Pacific and 98 percent in the Atlantic coastline regions and
121 percent for the U.S. as a whole. The number of housing units along
the U.S. coastline grew from 16 million to 36 million during this
time.
-- On average, the 11 coastline counties that were hit by 11 or more
hurricanes from 1960 to 2008 increased in population by nearly 179
percent and had a housing unit increase of 255 percent. Among these
counties, only Hyde, N.C., lost population (-10.1 percent) and only
St. Bernard Parish, La., lost housing units (-2.6 percent).
-- The coastline share of Maine's total population climbed by 9
percentage points from 1960 to 2008. New Hampshire, Virginia and
Alaska also had increases of more than 5 percentage points. In
contrast, the share of Maryland's population in its coastline counties
dropped 14 percentage points and California's by 10 points.
-- Excluding Alaska, the average density of coastline counties increased
from 260 people per square mile in 1960 to 480 in 2008. On average,
they are twice as densely populated as noncoastline counties. Among
the coastline states, only the coastline sections of New York (between
1970 and 1980), Louisiana (from 1980 to 1990 and 2000 to 2008) and
Mississippi (from 2000 to 2008) had declines in population density
during any decade.
-- New York County (Manhattan), N.Y., is the most densely populated
coastline county, with nearly 72,000 people per square mile in 2008.
Between 1960 and 2008, Orange County, Calif., and Pinellas County,
Fla., joined the list of the 20 most densely populated coastline
counties, with Orleans Parish, La., and Westchester County, N.Y.,
dropping off.
-- Nearly half of the nation's coastline population in 2008 was in either
California (29 percent) or Florida (16 percent).
-- Most coastline counties (223 of 254) experienced population gains from
1960 to 2008, including all counties from the southern coast of North
Carolina through Mississippi, and all counties from California through
Washington.
The report uses 100 percent-count decennial census data for the years 1960 through 2000, estimates of the total population for July 1, 2008, and the demographic components of change for 2000 to 2008.
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Thursday, May 20, 2010
Census Bureau News - The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050
/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Census Bureau reported today that the dependency ratio, or the number of people 65 and older to every 100 people of traditional working ages, is projected to climb rapidly from 22 in 2010 to 35 in 2030. This time period coincides with the time when baby boomers are moving into the 65 and older age category. After 2030, however, the ratio of the aging population to the working-age population (ages 20 to 64) will rise more slowly, to 37 in 2050. The higher this old-age dependency ratio, the greater the potential burden.
The projections are not based on 2010 Census results. Rather, they project 2000 Census counts forward using components of population change -- births, deaths and net international migration.
The expected steep rise in the dependency ratio over the next two decades reflects the projected proportion of people 65 and older climbing from 13 percent to 19 percent of the total population over the period, with the percentage in the 20 to 64 age range falling from 60 percent to 55 percent.
"This rapid growth of the older population may present challenges in the next two decades," said Victoria Velkoff, assistant chief for estimates and projections for the Census Bureau's Population Division. "It's also noteworthy that those 85 and older -- who often require additional caregiving and support -- would increase from about 14 percent of the older population today to 21 percent in 2050."
The findings are contained in the report, "The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050," which presents information on how the age structure of the overall population and the composition of the older population in terms of age, sex, race and Hispanic origin are expected to change over the next four decades. The report provides an analysis of national population projections released in August 2008.
According to the report, minorities would comprise 42 percent of the 65 and older population in 2050, more than double the proportion they comprise today (20 percent). Likewise, among those 85 and older, 33 percent are projected to be minority in 2050, up from 15 percent in 2010. (In the report, the minority population refers to people who are other than non-Hispanic, single-race white.)
Other highlights include:
-- The percentage of the 65 and older population that is Hispanic would
rise from 7 percent today to 20 percent in 2050. In absolute terms, it
would increase more than sixfold -- from 2.9 million to 17.5 million.
At the same time, among those 85 and older, the Hispanic population
would increase more than ninefold, from 305,000 to 2.9 million.
-- Among those 65 and older, 12 percent are expected to be single-race
black and 9 percent Asian in 2050, up from 9 percent and 3 percent,
respectively, in 2010. In addition, 77 percent are projected to be
white alone, down from about 87 percent in 2010.
-- The least populous race groups are projected to see large growth
relative to their populations. The older multiracial population, for
instance, would increase from 278,000 in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2050.
-- The multiracial population will continue to be the youngest
population, as the 65 and older percentage would rise from 5.1 percent
today to 7.8 percent in 2050.
-- With the projected more rapid increase in the life expectancy for men
over the next several decades, women would comprise a smaller
percentage of older people: 57 percent of those 65 and older today, 55
percent in 2050. Among those 85 and older, the drop would be even
larger (from 67 percent to 61 percent).
This report is based on the projections released in August 2008. In December 2009, the Census Bureau released a set of four national projections supplementing the series released in August 2008, showing projections to 2050 by age, race, sex and Hispanic origin. These four scenarios assume either high, low, constant or zero international migration between 2000 and 2050. The August 2008 projections remain the preferred series for users.
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The projections are not based on 2010 Census results. Rather, they project 2000 Census counts forward using components of population change -- births, deaths and net international migration.
The expected steep rise in the dependency ratio over the next two decades reflects the projected proportion of people 65 and older climbing from 13 percent to 19 percent of the total population over the period, with the percentage in the 20 to 64 age range falling from 60 percent to 55 percent.
"This rapid growth of the older population may present challenges in the next two decades," said Victoria Velkoff, assistant chief for estimates and projections for the Census Bureau's Population Division. "It's also noteworthy that those 85 and older -- who often require additional caregiving and support -- would increase from about 14 percent of the older population today to 21 percent in 2050."
The findings are contained in the report, "The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050," which presents information on how the age structure of the overall population and the composition of the older population in terms of age, sex, race and Hispanic origin are expected to change over the next four decades. The report provides an analysis of national population projections released in August 2008.
According to the report, minorities would comprise 42 percent of the 65 and older population in 2050, more than double the proportion they comprise today (20 percent). Likewise, among those 85 and older, 33 percent are projected to be minority in 2050, up from 15 percent in 2010. (In the report, the minority population refers to people who are other than non-Hispanic, single-race white.)
Other highlights include:
-- The percentage of the 65 and older population that is Hispanic would
rise from 7 percent today to 20 percent in 2050. In absolute terms, it
would increase more than sixfold -- from 2.9 million to 17.5 million.
At the same time, among those 85 and older, the Hispanic population
would increase more than ninefold, from 305,000 to 2.9 million.
-- Among those 65 and older, 12 percent are expected to be single-race
black and 9 percent Asian in 2050, up from 9 percent and 3 percent,
respectively, in 2010. In addition, 77 percent are projected to be
white alone, down from about 87 percent in 2010.
-- The least populous race groups are projected to see large growth
relative to their populations. The older multiracial population, for
instance, would increase from 278,000 in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2050.
-- The multiracial population will continue to be the youngest
population, as the 65 and older percentage would rise from 5.1 percent
today to 7.8 percent in 2050.
-- With the projected more rapid increase in the life expectancy for men
over the next several decades, women would comprise a smaller
percentage of older people: 57 percent of those 65 and older today, 55
percent in 2050. Among those 85 and older, the drop would be even
larger (from 67 percent to 61 percent).
This report is based on the projections released in August 2008. In December 2009, the Census Bureau released a set of four national projections supplementing the series released in August 2008, showing projections to 2050 by age, race, sex and Hispanic origin. These four scenarios assume either high, low, constant or zero international migration between 2000 and 2050. The August 2008 projections remain the preferred series for users.
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010
After-school Program Develops Mind, Character
/PRNewswire/ -- He's spreading the word, instilling hope, reaching at-risk youth through academic enrichment.
Tony Lowden knows what to do for the 800 students who participate in after-school programs at Campus Clubs in Macon, Georgia, because he was once on the receiving end of such support. Growing up in the Philadelphia ghettos, he lacked hope and, for a while, purpose.
His ticket out of the ghettos and onto a path of opportunity and success was delivered by his aunt, with an assist from above.
"My aunt saved my life. She basically saved me. She introduced me to Christ," says Lowden. "My walk with Christ became stronger as I watched more African-American males die from gangs and drugs. I wanted to one day be in a position to do more to prevent some of that."
Lowden's path to youth service was not a direct route. He enjoyed a brief professional baseball career and then fashioned a career as a successful businessman. Yet something was missing. That's when he rose from the comforts of his stable career and a top salary to become a youth pastor.
Eventually, he became Executive Director of Campus Clubs, which serves the academic and spiritual needs of Macon youth via programs that run from 3 p.m. to as late as 8:30 and include snacks and dinner.
"When they get out of school at three o'clock, their education stops," Lowden said of the way things used to be. "Most of their families can't afford computers. It is criminal to have 80 percent of kids in a city who don't have access to the information highway."
Campus Clubs' twenty-first-century learning centers are changing that. The centers are funded through donations and grants and offer training in the latest software and engaging curricula in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Pitsco Education. Several satellite after-school programs have sprung up in other parts of Georgia, but Lowden has his nets poised for casting over a broader area.
"We believe that the model we have could be the model for after-school programs across the country," he said. "We build robots and rockets and learn about math, science, and other subjects."
Engaging curricula is only part of the equation. Many children from broken homes and poverty aren't usually rooted in faith and morals, so Campus Clubs addresses that deficit with its church-based programs.
A firm believer that government and public education should not advocate the practice of faith, Lowden says those entities should not run from religion either. All parties can coexist with a common goal of raising up at-risk youth and empowering them to one day serve as community leaders.
"Eventually, the cities and government will say that Martin Luther King was right. Education is about intelligence and building character," Lowden says. "Character comes from a spiritual foundation."
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Tony Lowden knows what to do for the 800 students who participate in after-school programs at Campus Clubs in Macon, Georgia, because he was once on the receiving end of such support. Growing up in the Philadelphia ghettos, he lacked hope and, for a while, purpose.
His ticket out of the ghettos and onto a path of opportunity and success was delivered by his aunt, with an assist from above.
"My aunt saved my life. She basically saved me. She introduced me to Christ," says Lowden. "My walk with Christ became stronger as I watched more African-American males die from gangs and drugs. I wanted to one day be in a position to do more to prevent some of that."
Lowden's path to youth service was not a direct route. He enjoyed a brief professional baseball career and then fashioned a career as a successful businessman. Yet something was missing. That's when he rose from the comforts of his stable career and a top salary to become a youth pastor.
Eventually, he became Executive Director of Campus Clubs, which serves the academic and spiritual needs of Macon youth via programs that run from 3 p.m. to as late as 8:30 and include snacks and dinner.
"When they get out of school at three o'clock, their education stops," Lowden said of the way things used to be. "Most of their families can't afford computers. It is criminal to have 80 percent of kids in a city who don't have access to the information highway."
Campus Clubs' twenty-first-century learning centers are changing that. The centers are funded through donations and grants and offer training in the latest software and engaging curricula in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Pitsco Education. Several satellite after-school programs have sprung up in other parts of Georgia, but Lowden has his nets poised for casting over a broader area.
"We believe that the model we have could be the model for after-school programs across the country," he said. "We build robots and rockets and learn about math, science, and other subjects."
Engaging curricula is only part of the equation. Many children from broken homes and poverty aren't usually rooted in faith and morals, so Campus Clubs addresses that deficit with its church-based programs.
A firm believer that government and public education should not advocate the practice of faith, Lowden says those entities should not run from religion either. All parties can coexist with a common goal of raising up at-risk youth and empowering them to one day serve as community leaders.
"Eventually, the cities and government will say that Martin Luther King was right. Education is about intelligence and building character," Lowden says. "Character comes from a spiritual foundation."
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Numbers Are in: 72 Percent of Nation's Households Mail Back 2010 Census Forms
/PRNewswire/ -- Slightly more than 72 percent of U.S. households believed to be occupied mailed back their 2010 Census forms, the same rate that was achieved in 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. In the fall of 2010, the Census Bureau will release a final "mail return rate" after census workers double-check the occupancy status of all households that didn't return a census form.
"This is a significant achievement; the nation has stepped up to the challenge of participating in this once-a-decade civic event," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. "We knew the job would be more difficult in 2010 than in 2000, yet the nation responded tremendously."
America responded despite trends over the past decade toward declining survey participation, a more diverse population, a difficult economic environment and a growing distrust of government.
To motivate increased mail participation, the Census Bureau challenged communities nationwide to work to improve the participation rates they achieved in the 2000 Census. Twenty-eight states met or exceeded their 2000 Census rates, and 11 more were within one point of matching their rates (see separate news release). Numerous cities and counties also matched or exceeded their rates. (See the "Take 10 Challenge Map" for detailed results, or results from the largest cities and counties on the news conference press kit page: http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/operational-press-briefing/april-28-201 0.html)
States with the highest mail participation rates include: Wisconsin (81 percent), Minnesota (80 percent), Iowa (78 percent) and Indiana (78 percent). North Carolina and South Carolina achieved the greatest percentage point increase among all states, both increasing by 9 percentage points (North Carolina jumped from 66 to 74 percent; South Carolina from 65 to 73 percent).
Cities with populations of 50,000 or more with the highest rates were Livonia, Mich. (87 percent), Rochester, Minn. (82 percent) and Sterling Heights, Mich. (82 percent). Charleston, S.C., achieved the greatest point increase (jumping 9 percentage points from 64 to 73 percent). Three cities increased by 8 percentage points: Minneapolis (from 68 to 76 percent); Miramar, Fla. (from 65 to 73 percent) and Surprise, Ariz. (from 63 to 71 percent).
The rates for all states, counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods are on the Census Bureau's interactive mail participation rate map at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.
The nation's response helps pave the way for the next phase of the 2010 Census: the deployment of 635,000 census takers across the country who will go door to door to obtain census responses from all remaining households. The temporary census workers are in training this week and will begin obtaining census responses this weekend. The Census Bureau is urging households to open their doors to their local census taker and will provide more information on this operation at a news briefing May 3.
ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.
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"This is a significant achievement; the nation has stepped up to the challenge of participating in this once-a-decade civic event," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. "We knew the job would be more difficult in 2010 than in 2000, yet the nation responded tremendously."
America responded despite trends over the past decade toward declining survey participation, a more diverse population, a difficult economic environment and a growing distrust of government.
To motivate increased mail participation, the Census Bureau challenged communities nationwide to work to improve the participation rates they achieved in the 2000 Census. Twenty-eight states met or exceeded their 2000 Census rates, and 11 more were within one point of matching their rates (see separate news release). Numerous cities and counties also matched or exceeded their rates. (See the "Take 10 Challenge Map" for detailed results, or results from the largest cities and counties on the news conference press kit page: http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/operational-press-briefing/april-28-201 0.html)
States with the highest mail participation rates include: Wisconsin (81 percent), Minnesota (80 percent), Iowa (78 percent) and Indiana (78 percent). North Carolina and South Carolina achieved the greatest percentage point increase among all states, both increasing by 9 percentage points (North Carolina jumped from 66 to 74 percent; South Carolina from 65 to 73 percent).
Cities with populations of 50,000 or more with the highest rates were Livonia, Mich. (87 percent), Rochester, Minn. (82 percent) and Sterling Heights, Mich. (82 percent). Charleston, S.C., achieved the greatest point increase (jumping 9 percentage points from 64 to 73 percent). Three cities increased by 8 percentage points: Minneapolis (from 68 to 76 percent); Miramar, Fla. (from 65 to 73 percent) and Surprise, Ariz. (from 63 to 71 percent).
The rates for all states, counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods are on the Census Bureau's interactive mail participation rate map at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.
The nation's response helps pave the way for the next phase of the 2010 Census: the deployment of 635,000 census takers across the country who will go door to door to obtain census responses from all remaining households. The temporary census workers are in training this week and will begin obtaining census responses this weekend. The Census Bureau is urging households to open their doors to their local census taker and will provide more information on this operation at a news briefing May 3.
ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.
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Monday, April 12, 2010
Help Reverse Slide in Tax Checkoff Funding for Georgia Wildlife
A convenient but critical way to support Georgia’s wildlife needs your help this tax season.
State income tax checkoff contributions to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund have declined in recent years. While not an all-time low, contributions for the most recent fiscal year fell another 20 percent, or nearly $60,000 from the previous year.
Yet, the checkoff is a key fundraiser for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. The fund is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section and dedicated to the conservation of nongame and endangered animals and plants statewide.
The Nongame Conservation Section receives no state funding for its mission to conserve nongame wildlife. Nongame includes native Georgia animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as native plants, from sea turtles to songbirds and pitcherplants.
Jon Ambrose, assistant chief of the Nongame Conservation Section, said the Wildlife Conservation Fund is also used to attract federal and private research and conservation funding to Georgia. By using the fund as match, DNR gained $1 for every 25 cents spent from the fund over the past two years. The Nongame Conservation Section has averaged about $1.5 million a year in federal State Wildlife Grants over the past decade, Ambrose said.
The checkoff “is critical in terms of providing the match we need to get this funding from other sources,” he said.
The Give Wildlife a Chance checkoff has been a success since its creation in 1989. Thanks to the generosity of Georgians, more than $6 million has been raised. Contributions played a part in many conservation achievements, varying from the restoration of bald eagle populations to land acquisitions such as the prized Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area near Bainbridge.
That success story can continue with the help of conservation-minded Georgians.
This year, even in the midst of a recession, citizens can reverse the decline in checkoff contributions by filling in any amount more than $1 on line 27 of the state’s long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ). Contributions can be deducted from refunds or added to payments.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/node/338, or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218). State income tax forms are available online at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/.
The Nongame Conservation Section also benefits from sales of the bald eagle and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates, an annual fundraiser called Weekend for Wildlife, and donations. Details at www.georgiawildlife.com.
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State income tax checkoff contributions to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund have declined in recent years. While not an all-time low, contributions for the most recent fiscal year fell another 20 percent, or nearly $60,000 from the previous year.
Yet, the checkoff is a key fundraiser for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. The fund is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section and dedicated to the conservation of nongame and endangered animals and plants statewide.
The Nongame Conservation Section receives no state funding for its mission to conserve nongame wildlife. Nongame includes native Georgia animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as native plants, from sea turtles to songbirds and pitcherplants.
Jon Ambrose, assistant chief of the Nongame Conservation Section, said the Wildlife Conservation Fund is also used to attract federal and private research and conservation funding to Georgia. By using the fund as match, DNR gained $1 for every 25 cents spent from the fund over the past two years. The Nongame Conservation Section has averaged about $1.5 million a year in federal State Wildlife Grants over the past decade, Ambrose said.
The checkoff “is critical in terms of providing the match we need to get this funding from other sources,” he said.
The Give Wildlife a Chance checkoff has been a success since its creation in 1989. Thanks to the generosity of Georgians, more than $6 million has been raised. Contributions played a part in many conservation achievements, varying from the restoration of bald eagle populations to land acquisitions such as the prized Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area near Bainbridge.
That success story can continue with the help of conservation-minded Georgians.
This year, even in the midst of a recession, citizens can reverse the decline in checkoff contributions by filling in any amount more than $1 on line 27 of the state’s long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ). Contributions can be deducted from refunds or added to payments.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/node/338, or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218). State income tax forms are available online at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/.
The Nongame Conservation Section also benefits from sales of the bald eagle and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates, an annual fundraiser called Weekend for Wildlife, and donations. Details at www.georgiawildlife.com.
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Friday, April 9, 2010
Special Olympics Georgia: Officers Are 'Cuffed for a Cause' April 10
/PRNewswire/ -- Local police officers brave moving treadmills for EIGHT hours straight... On April 10th, Special Olympics Georgia and Georgia police officers join forces to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run®.
WHO: Special Olympics Georgia and Georgia Law Enforcement Officers
WHAT: Georgia Law Enforcement officers are once again teaming up with Special Olympics Georgia to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® of Special Olympics Georgia. Officers will be handcuffed to moving treadmills for EIGHT hours (or until they reach their fundraising goal) for Georgia's third annual "Cuffed for a Cause" Saturday, April 10th. They will collect donations from customers as they walk, walk, walk and walk some more.
WHEN: The officers will start their treadmills across the state at various locations on Saturday, April 10th.
Dunwoody Police Department: Perimeter Mall; 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Gwinnett County Police Department: Wal-Mart; 3795 Buford Drive, Buford
Milton Police Department: Wal-Mart; 5200 Windward Parkway, Milton
Paulding County Marshal Bureau: Wal-Mart; 4166 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram
For more information about Cuffed for a Cause and the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org
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WHO: Special Olympics Georgia and Georgia Law Enforcement Officers
WHAT: Georgia Law Enforcement officers are once again teaming up with Special Olympics Georgia to raise money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® of Special Olympics Georgia. Officers will be handcuffed to moving treadmills for EIGHT hours (or until they reach their fundraising goal) for Georgia's third annual "Cuffed for a Cause" Saturday, April 10th. They will collect donations from customers as they walk, walk, walk and walk some more.
WHEN: The officers will start their treadmills across the state at various locations on Saturday, April 10th.
Dunwoody Police Department: Perimeter Mall; 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Gwinnett County Police Department: Wal-Mart; 3795 Buford Drive, Buford
Milton Police Department: Wal-Mart; 5200 Windward Parkway, Milton
Paulding County Marshal Bureau: Wal-Mart; 4166 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram
For more information about Cuffed for a Cause and the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, visit www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org
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Thursday, April 8, 2010
It's Not Too Late to Return Your 2010 Census - Communities Plan 'March to the Mailbox'
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With just over one week left for households to mail back their 2010 Census forms, thousands of volunteers in more than 6,000 neighborhoods plan to participate in "March to the Mailbox" parades, marches, walks, rallies and motorcades on Sat., April 10 -- hoping to remind people that it's not too late to mail back their forms and be counted.
The grassroots outreach, led by census partners, volunteers and local residents, is being held nationwide in neighborhoods with low mail participation rates -- from Miami to Seattle and Detroit to Houston. During the events, volunteers will come together in high traffic areas to remind residents that it is not too late to mail back their Census forms and encourage those who have delayed to "March to the Mailbox" and mail it back today.
"This is a great example of neighbors working together to ensure their community gets its fair share of federal resources for roads, schools and other important community services as well as congressional representation," U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. "For those who have not yet responded, we ask that you join your neighbors and mail back your easy-to-complete, 10 question census form today."
The "March to the Mailbox" is one final effort to boost mail back rates in hard-to-count communities before personal visits to non-responding households start May 1. Households have until April 16 to mail back their form, as the Census Bureau must begin preparing to train temporary census workers to obtain census responses in person from households that did not send back their forms.
The Census Bureau saves about $85 million in operational costs for every percentage point increase in the nation's participation rate by mail. If every household completed and mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of taking the census and save $1.5 billion. In 2000, the nation reversed a three-decade decline in mail response rates and saved $305 million.
Nationwide, currently 65 percent of households have mailed back their census forms. In 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent. For the first time, the Census Bureau has mailed replacement forms to areas with historically low mail response rates. Research shows that the replacement forms will help increase mail response in those areas, which significantly reduces the cost of taking the census.
The Census Bureau has created tools to help communities track their census participation through a campaign that is urging everyone to "Take 10" minutes to fill out and mail back their form. The Take 10 Challenge Map on the 2010 Census Web site shows the latest daily participation rates, giving users the option to download and embed a local rate tracker "widget" on their own Web site.
All census responses are confidential. Answers are protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone. Extreme measures are taken to protect the identity of individuals and businesses. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' individually identifiable answers with anyone, including tribal housing authorities, other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
If you did not receive a Census form or cannot locate it, visit: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to find a "Be Counted" site in your neighborhood, where forms are available. Or, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 for help.
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The grassroots outreach, led by census partners, volunteers and local residents, is being held nationwide in neighborhoods with low mail participation rates -- from Miami to Seattle and Detroit to Houston. During the events, volunteers will come together in high traffic areas to remind residents that it is not too late to mail back their Census forms and encourage those who have delayed to "March to the Mailbox" and mail it back today.
"This is a great example of neighbors working together to ensure their community gets its fair share of federal resources for roads, schools and other important community services as well as congressional representation," U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves said. "For those who have not yet responded, we ask that you join your neighbors and mail back your easy-to-complete, 10 question census form today."
The "March to the Mailbox" is one final effort to boost mail back rates in hard-to-count communities before personal visits to non-responding households start May 1. Households have until April 16 to mail back their form, as the Census Bureau must begin preparing to train temporary census workers to obtain census responses in person from households that did not send back their forms.
The Census Bureau saves about $85 million in operational costs for every percentage point increase in the nation's participation rate by mail. If every household completed and mailed back their census form, taxpayers could reduce the cost of taking the census and save $1.5 billion. In 2000, the nation reversed a three-decade decline in mail response rates and saved $305 million.
Nationwide, currently 65 percent of households have mailed back their census forms. In 2000, the mail participation rate was 72 percent. For the first time, the Census Bureau has mailed replacement forms to areas with historically low mail response rates. Research shows that the replacement forms will help increase mail response in those areas, which significantly reduces the cost of taking the census.
The Census Bureau has created tools to help communities track their census participation through a campaign that is urging everyone to "Take 10" minutes to fill out and mail back their form. The Take 10 Challenge Map on the 2010 Census Web site shows the latest daily participation rates, giving users the option to download and embed a local rate tracker "widget" on their own Web site.
All census responses are confidential. Answers are protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone. Extreme measures are taken to protect the identity of individuals and businesses. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' individually identifiable answers with anyone, including tribal housing authorities, other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
If you did not receive a Census form or cannot locate it, visit: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to find a "Be Counted" site in your neighborhood, where forms are available. Or, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868 for help.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Georgia Child Welfare Reforms Endangered by New Litigation
/PRNewswire/ -- Legal action by a group that calls itself "Children's Rights" (CR) threatens child welfare reforms that have made Georgia's children safer, a national child advocacy group said Tuesday.
CR issued an inflammatory press release alleging that Georgia "may" be endangering thousands of children by keeping them out of foster care. "They rely largely on horror story cases from the state's Office of Child Advocate (OCA)," said Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform. "But when you try to make policy based on horror stories the results for children are horrible.
"In fact, since Georgia instituted its 'diversion' program, child safety has significantly improved. That's clear from the reduction in re-abuse of children known to the child welfare agency - a reduction seen both in formally-opened cases and in cases where families are helped through a process known in Georgia as 'diversion.'
"In contrast, independent court-appointed monitors overseeing a consent decree negotiated by CR concerning foster care in Atlanta found that there is a huge problem of abuse in foster care itself. Just two months ago, CR's own Associate Director, Ira Lustbader declared that 'We are extremely concerned that children in the Atlanta foster care system are simply not safe. ...' Yet now, CR is back in court, initiating a process apparently designed to shovel more children into this unsafe system."
At the moment, Wexler said, CR is seeking only further information - information even the court monitors refuse to help them get. "As a matter of principle, we believe almost every record maintained by a child welfare agency should be public. So we believe that even though CR may misuse the information, they should get it."
In addition, Wexler said, though diversion has made Georgia's children safer, OCA found real problems in the process, including a lack of statewide standards.
"Georgia has contracted with an outside expert to design a statewide system based on best practice in other states. OCA should monitor the process and make sure it's implemented. That's a far better approach than the one taken by CR, which seems intent on scaring Georgians away from a safe, proven alternative to needless foster care," Wexler said.
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CR issued an inflammatory press release alleging that Georgia "may" be endangering thousands of children by keeping them out of foster care. "They rely largely on horror story cases from the state's Office of Child Advocate (OCA)," said Richard Wexler, executive director of the National Coalition for Child Protection Reform. "But when you try to make policy based on horror stories the results for children are horrible.
"In fact, since Georgia instituted its 'diversion' program, child safety has significantly improved. That's clear from the reduction in re-abuse of children known to the child welfare agency - a reduction seen both in formally-opened cases and in cases where families are helped through a process known in Georgia as 'diversion.'
"In contrast, independent court-appointed monitors overseeing a consent decree negotiated by CR concerning foster care in Atlanta found that there is a huge problem of abuse in foster care itself. Just two months ago, CR's own Associate Director, Ira Lustbader declared that 'We are extremely concerned that children in the Atlanta foster care system are simply not safe. ...' Yet now, CR is back in court, initiating a process apparently designed to shovel more children into this unsafe system."
At the moment, Wexler said, CR is seeking only further information - information even the court monitors refuse to help them get. "As a matter of principle, we believe almost every record maintained by a child welfare agency should be public. So we believe that even though CR may misuse the information, they should get it."
In addition, Wexler said, though diversion has made Georgia's children safer, OCA found real problems in the process, including a lack of statewide standards.
"Georgia has contracted with an outside expert to design a statewide system based on best practice in other states. OCA should monitor the process and make sure it's implemented. That's a far better approach than the one taken by CR, which seems intent on scaring Georgians away from a safe, proven alternative to needless foster care," Wexler said.
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Monday, March 15, 2010
Georgia Baptist College of Nursing to Host Conference on End-of-Life Care
Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing will host a research conference on end-of-life care Friday, March 26, in the Trustees Dining Room on the University’s Atlanta campus. The conference, titled “Perspectives and Reflections from the Gloaming of Life: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Challenges,” is open to all members of the nursing, theology, pharmacy and medical professions. In addition, nurses who attend may receive 4.5 contact hours on palliative care from the Georgia Nurses Association.
“As more of our health care is provided outside of hospitals, the care of patients with life-limiting illness is increasingly provided in the community by families and informal caregivers,” said Dr. Janet Timms, professor of nursing and one of the conference’s organizers. “There is no right way to live or die as a result of these life-limiting diseases. Each disease presents its own set of challenges for patients and for their caregivers. The conference will provide updated knowledge about palliative care for health professionals, caregivers and individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and equip health professionals and informal caregivers to provide high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care.”
The Rev. Dr. Julie Pennington-Russell, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Decatur and a Mercer Trustee, will be speak at the opening session. Dr. Pennington-Russell’s presentation is titled “Spiritual Dimensions/Care of Those in the Final Stages of Life.”
The conference is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and consists of five sessions in addition to Pennington-Russell’s opening presentation. The morning sessions include: Dr. Robyn Mowery, assistant professor of family therapy in Mercer’s School of Medicine, presenting “Grieving with Hope: Anticipatory Loss through Bereavement” and Dr. Susan S. Gunby, professor of nursing, presenting ‘“Being There’ and ‘Being Here’ During the Phases of Suffering.”
The three afternoon sessions include: Dawn Keller, staff nurse in a cardiovascular intensive care unit for Wellstar Health Systems, presenting “It's a Roller-Coaster Ride: The Lived Experience of Critical Care Nurses Caring for Patients during the Dying Process;” Dr. Denise Massey, associate professor in the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, presenting “How Pastoral Care Giver can Contribute to Palliative Care;” and Elaine Harris, associate professor of nursing, and Ann Keeley, associate professor of nursing, co-presenting ‘“Can You Help Me Find My Bus Ticket?’ Understanding the Communications of Those Who Are Dying.”
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“As more of our health care is provided outside of hospitals, the care of patients with life-limiting illness is increasingly provided in the community by families and informal caregivers,” said Dr. Janet Timms, professor of nursing and one of the conference’s organizers. “There is no right way to live or die as a result of these life-limiting diseases. Each disease presents its own set of challenges for patients and for their caregivers. The conference will provide updated knowledge about palliative care for health professionals, caregivers and individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and equip health professionals and informal caregivers to provide high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care.”
The Rev. Dr. Julie Pennington-Russell, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Decatur and a Mercer Trustee, will be speak at the opening session. Dr. Pennington-Russell’s presentation is titled “Spiritual Dimensions/Care of Those in the Final Stages of Life.”
The conference is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and consists of five sessions in addition to Pennington-Russell’s opening presentation. The morning sessions include: Dr. Robyn Mowery, assistant professor of family therapy in Mercer’s School of Medicine, presenting “Grieving with Hope: Anticipatory Loss through Bereavement” and Dr. Susan S. Gunby, professor of nursing, presenting ‘“Being There’ and ‘Being Here’ During the Phases of Suffering.”
The three afternoon sessions include: Dawn Keller, staff nurse in a cardiovascular intensive care unit for Wellstar Health Systems, presenting “It's a Roller-Coaster Ride: The Lived Experience of Critical Care Nurses Caring for Patients during the Dying Process;” Dr. Denise Massey, associate professor in the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology, presenting “How Pastoral Care Giver can Contribute to Palliative Care;” and Elaine Harris, associate professor of nursing, and Ann Keeley, associate professor of nursing, co-presenting ‘“Can You Help Me Find My Bus Ticket?’ Understanding the Communications of Those Who Are Dying.”
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Thursday, March 11, 2010
Rebates For Clunker Appliances
A federal program encourages the retirement of inefficient appliances with cash rebates.
Like the Cash for Clunkers program that removed gas-hog automobiles off the road, the Department of Energy's Appliance Rebate Program hopes to get electricity-hog appliances out of the home. Federal money will be channeled to give consumers rebates on efficient refrigerators and water heaters in the next few weeks.
As part of the stimulus package voted by Congress in 2009, about $300 million will be distributed by the DOE to the states on the basis of population. Last summer the states sent in requests, and the actual funds are now about to be dispersed. For example, New Jersey is getting $8.3 million, Wisconsin $5 million and Maryland $5.4 million.
Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, which required consumers to exchange their old cars for more efficient vehicles, consumers will not need to bring in their inefficient appliances. The rebates apply only to the sale of new, Energy Star certified appliances.
In many cases the rebates will be distributed through the very companies that already deliver power to your home, some of which already offer rebates toward energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines. In Maryland five large power utilities offer such rebates, paid for by tiny surcharges to consumers' monthly utility bills, and these rebates are available right now.
The new federal money will be layered on top of the existing utility programs, said Lauren Swiston of the Maryland Energy Administration in Annapolis. She said because the DOE rebates come out of the once-only stimulus funding, they will be given out as long as the block grant lasts on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swiston expected about 40,000 rebates to be given out in Maryland through the federal program. Maryland will be working with the utilities to distribute the rebate funding, so that consumers can access both the utility and federal rebates at the same time. This funding is not yet available, but consumers should look for inserts in their utility bills within the next month or so with more information about the program.
Efficient appliances are those designated by the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star rating system for thrifty energy use. These models are typically 30 percent more efficient than non-designated appliances. For certain models of Energy Star appliances that are super-efficient, rebates (utility plus federal) might be as great as $100 for clothes washers and $50 for refrigerators. Maryland will also give a $300 rebate for innovative new heat-pump-based water heaters.
The earlier automobile Cash for Clunkers program drew some criticism since the rebates -- as much as several thousand dollars per car -- appeared to be too generous. Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University in N.Y., argued that there were much more economical ways of lowering the amount of energy consumption or carbon dioxide emissions by cars.
Lauren Swiston said that this criticism should not apply to the appliance rebates since the amounts for fridges were much more modest. "They're not meant as a major subsidy for the appliance ... but only as an encouragement to reduce energy expenditures."
By Phillip F. Schewe
Inside Science News Service
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Like the Cash for Clunkers program that removed gas-hog automobiles off the road, the Department of Energy's Appliance Rebate Program hopes to get electricity-hog appliances out of the home. Federal money will be channeled to give consumers rebates on efficient refrigerators and water heaters in the next few weeks.
As part of the stimulus package voted by Congress in 2009, about $300 million will be distributed by the DOE to the states on the basis of population. Last summer the states sent in requests, and the actual funds are now about to be dispersed. For example, New Jersey is getting $8.3 million, Wisconsin $5 million and Maryland $5.4 million.
Unlike the Cash for Clunkers program, which required consumers to exchange their old cars for more efficient vehicles, consumers will not need to bring in their inefficient appliances. The rebates apply only to the sale of new, Energy Star certified appliances.
In many cases the rebates will be distributed through the very companies that already deliver power to your home, some of which already offer rebates toward energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines. In Maryland five large power utilities offer such rebates, paid for by tiny surcharges to consumers' monthly utility bills, and these rebates are available right now.
The new federal money will be layered on top of the existing utility programs, said Lauren Swiston of the Maryland Energy Administration in Annapolis. She said because the DOE rebates come out of the once-only stimulus funding, they will be given out as long as the block grant lasts on a first-come, first-served basis.
Swiston expected about 40,000 rebates to be given out in Maryland through the federal program. Maryland will be working with the utilities to distribute the rebate funding, so that consumers can access both the utility and federal rebates at the same time. This funding is not yet available, but consumers should look for inserts in their utility bills within the next month or so with more information about the program.
Efficient appliances are those designated by the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star rating system for thrifty energy use. These models are typically 30 percent more efficient than non-designated appliances. For certain models of Energy Star appliances that are super-efficient, rebates (utility plus federal) might be as great as $100 for clothes washers and $50 for refrigerators. Maryland will also give a $300 rebate for innovative new heat-pump-based water heaters.
The earlier automobile Cash for Clunkers program drew some criticism since the rebates -- as much as several thousand dollars per car -- appeared to be too generous. Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University in N.Y., argued that there were much more economical ways of lowering the amount of energy consumption or carbon dioxide emissions by cars.
Lauren Swiston said that this criticism should not apply to the appliance rebates since the amounts for fridges were much more modest. "They're not meant as a major subsidy for the appliance ... but only as an encouragement to reduce energy expenditures."
By Phillip F. Schewe
Inside Science News Service
---
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The new love rules: Even love letters have gone digital
(ARA) - For centuries, people have expressed their words of love and affection through love letters, a meaningful tradition that continues to this day. Though much has changed since the days of Shakespearean sonnets, love letters are still a personal and inexpensive way to show someone special you care this Valentine's Day. Today, jobs, family and jam-packed schedules mean that not everyone has time to sit down and pen the perfect sonnet - which helps explain the recent trend of love letters going digital.
A recent survey of busy young professionals (ages 22-35) conducted by Microsoft indicates that more people are trading in calligraphy and scented stationery for e-mail and even text messages. In fact, 79 percent of busy young professionals surveyed have sent or received an e-mail love letter within the past two years, with more than 77 percent reporting that they love receiving e-mail love letters, since e-mail is their primary means of communication.
Sending a love letter online doesn't mean that it's less sincere or romantic than a handwritten note. In fact, there are major advantages to sending or receiving a love letter via e-mail, including the ability to refer back to it easily, and from anywhere. Eighty-six percent of people surveyed who have received an e-mail love letter say they saved them in their inbox. With very large storage limits available through free e-mail providers like Windows Live Hotmail, it's especially simple to access an old love letter from any computer, a Web-equipped mobile phone, or print them out as a permanent keepsake, as one survey respondent did. "I saved all of the [e-mail] love notes that my boyfriend-at-the-time wrote while we were in a long-distance relationship - now he's my husband. I printed them out and have them in a binder that I look at on occasion."
A love letter doesn't necessarily have to be a lengthy soliloquy professing your eternal love - it can be a simple "I love you" - in fact, more than 27 percent of people surveyed report that they've been told "I love you" for the first time over e-mail or instant messenger programs like Windows Live Messenger - or a short note recalling a fond memory you share. Another survey respondent recalled a particularly sentimental love note she received: "The day after my husband asked me to marry him, he sent me a beautiful e-mail saying how great he felt asking me, seeing the ring on my finger on the way in to work the next morning, watching how excited I was to show it off to everyone and how excited he was to spend the rest of his life with me."
Thanks to the convenience of e-mail, you don't have to be Casanova to send a memorable love letter that will make someone's day. With the recent trend of love letters going digital, these five simple tips will have you well on your way to sending a memorable e-mail love note that your significant other will cherish for years to come.
1. Set the mood: Find a quiet place and a dedicated time to write your love letter. Be sure to minimize distractions so you can focus your thoughts on your loved one and put your emotions into words.
2. Be your most romantic self: A well-written love letter should make your beloved fall more in love with you, so think personal. Focus on the other person and express your emotions, dreams and vulnerability. Never be negative, but try to avoid being too funny. A love letter shares deep and often difficult-to-express feelings and should always sound like it comes from you.
3. Be specific and sincere: Highlight unique quirks or characteristics you love about the person, recall special memories you've shared, or write about the reasons why you fell in love with him or her in the first place. Don't be too casual and don't be afraid to let your true feelings show.
4. Spice up the presentation: Try adding color, special photos of the two of you or graphics. Using e-mail features like Hotmail Quick Add, you can easily search for and add images without leaving your inbox. If your relationship is long distance, or if you're looking to add some more creativity to your letter, you can make and edit a short movie of yourself, a recent trip, or a favorite outdoor spot using free movie-making programs like Windows Live Movie Maker, available at download.live.com.
5. Double-check details before hitting "send": Don't let writing errors distract from the meaning of your words. Read over your letter to make sure it conveys what you really mean and check for spelling and grammar errors. Most importantly, before sending an e-mail love letter, double-check that the "to" line is correct - 1 out of 10 people surveyed have sent love letters to the wrong person by mistake!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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A recent survey of busy young professionals (ages 22-35) conducted by Microsoft indicates that more people are trading in calligraphy and scented stationery for e-mail and even text messages. In fact, 79 percent of busy young professionals surveyed have sent or received an e-mail love letter within the past two years, with more than 77 percent reporting that they love receiving e-mail love letters, since e-mail is their primary means of communication.
Sending a love letter online doesn't mean that it's less sincere or romantic than a handwritten note. In fact, there are major advantages to sending or receiving a love letter via e-mail, including the ability to refer back to it easily, and from anywhere. Eighty-six percent of people surveyed who have received an e-mail love letter say they saved them in their inbox. With very large storage limits available through free e-mail providers like Windows Live Hotmail, it's especially simple to access an old love letter from any computer, a Web-equipped mobile phone, or print them out as a permanent keepsake, as one survey respondent did. "I saved all of the [e-mail] love notes that my boyfriend-at-the-time wrote while we were in a long-distance relationship - now he's my husband. I printed them out and have them in a binder that I look at on occasion."
A love letter doesn't necessarily have to be a lengthy soliloquy professing your eternal love - it can be a simple "I love you" - in fact, more than 27 percent of people surveyed report that they've been told "I love you" for the first time over e-mail or instant messenger programs like Windows Live Messenger - or a short note recalling a fond memory you share. Another survey respondent recalled a particularly sentimental love note she received: "The day after my husband asked me to marry him, he sent me a beautiful e-mail saying how great he felt asking me, seeing the ring on my finger on the way in to work the next morning, watching how excited I was to show it off to everyone and how excited he was to spend the rest of his life with me."
Thanks to the convenience of e-mail, you don't have to be Casanova to send a memorable love letter that will make someone's day. With the recent trend of love letters going digital, these five simple tips will have you well on your way to sending a memorable e-mail love note that your significant other will cherish for years to come.
1. Set the mood: Find a quiet place and a dedicated time to write your love letter. Be sure to minimize distractions so you can focus your thoughts on your loved one and put your emotions into words.
2. Be your most romantic self: A well-written love letter should make your beloved fall more in love with you, so think personal. Focus on the other person and express your emotions, dreams and vulnerability. Never be negative, but try to avoid being too funny. A love letter shares deep and often difficult-to-express feelings and should always sound like it comes from you.
3. Be specific and sincere: Highlight unique quirks or characteristics you love about the person, recall special memories you've shared, or write about the reasons why you fell in love with him or her in the first place. Don't be too casual and don't be afraid to let your true feelings show.
4. Spice up the presentation: Try adding color, special photos of the two of you or graphics. Using e-mail features like Hotmail Quick Add, you can easily search for and add images without leaving your inbox. If your relationship is long distance, or if you're looking to add some more creativity to your letter, you can make and edit a short movie of yourself, a recent trip, or a favorite outdoor spot using free movie-making programs like Windows Live Movie Maker, available at download.live.com.
5. Double-check details before hitting "send": Don't let writing errors distract from the meaning of your words. Read over your letter to make sure it conveys what you really mean and check for spelling and grammar errors. Most importantly, before sending an e-mail love letter, double-check that the "to" line is correct - 1 out of 10 people surveyed have sent love letters to the wrong person by mistake!
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Friday, February 5, 2010
Overlooked Coosawattee River Draws Deserved Attention
The Etowah and Conasauga rivers are known for rare fish and biological diversity. Recent research reveals that the river between them – the Coosawattee – is in the same league.
Last summer, staff from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame and Fisheries sections sampled the north Georgia river from Ellijay to Carter’s Lake and the stream’s two largest headwater tributaries, the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers. Results included new records for federally threatened goldline darters – documented in Georgia only in the Coosawattee – and field data critical to fleshing out a GIS-based analysis of the watershed.
The work labeled the Coosawattee as one of Georgia’s top three rivers for imperiled fishes, part of a Southeastern Fisheries Council assessment aimed at helping prioritize U.S. waterways for conservation. Each participating state relied on a recently published list of imperiled fishes recognized by the American Fisheries Society’s endangered species committee. Statewide analysis ranked the Coosawattee third with nine of the listed fishes (including two species last seen in the 1960s). The Etowah led with 14 imperiled fishes. The Conasauga followed with 12.
All three rivers are in the Coosa River basin. The Coosawattee rates data-poor, however, compared to studies of rare species and common threats on its neighbors. The project “allowed us to look a lot more closely at the Coosawattee,” said leader Brett Albanese, a senior aquatic zoologist with the Nongame Conservation Section.
Crunching details ranging from aerial snapshots to land-cover statistics marked expected threats such as riverside deforestation for vacation homes and farm runoff. Yet there were also surprises, like the 660 dams in the watershed. Dams block free-flowing stream habitat and fish movement.
GIS specialist Thom Litts of Wildlife Resources’ Fisheries Section used GIS and Maxent species habitat modeling software to develop a computer model that identifies stream sections in which threatened and endangered fishes might be found. “We’re thinking of this as a probability of suitable habitat,” Litts said.
Next comes fieldwork to vet the modeling, plus additional analysis to determine conservation remedies. Albanese lists protecting important populations of goldline darters and state-endangered holiday, trispot and bridled darters as priority.
There is a silver lining. Sampling showed that goldline darters are “doing pretty well” in the Coosawattee, Albanese said.
The challenge: Making sure this river receives the conservation attention its rank commands.
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Last summer, staff from the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame and Fisheries sections sampled the north Georgia river from Ellijay to Carter’s Lake and the stream’s two largest headwater tributaries, the Cartecay and Ellijay rivers. Results included new records for federally threatened goldline darters – documented in Georgia only in the Coosawattee – and field data critical to fleshing out a GIS-based analysis of the watershed.
The work labeled the Coosawattee as one of Georgia’s top three rivers for imperiled fishes, part of a Southeastern Fisheries Council assessment aimed at helping prioritize U.S. waterways for conservation. Each participating state relied on a recently published list of imperiled fishes recognized by the American Fisheries Society’s endangered species committee. Statewide analysis ranked the Coosawattee third with nine of the listed fishes (including two species last seen in the 1960s). The Etowah led with 14 imperiled fishes. The Conasauga followed with 12.
All three rivers are in the Coosa River basin. The Coosawattee rates data-poor, however, compared to studies of rare species and common threats on its neighbors. The project “allowed us to look a lot more closely at the Coosawattee,” said leader Brett Albanese, a senior aquatic zoologist with the Nongame Conservation Section.
Crunching details ranging from aerial snapshots to land-cover statistics marked expected threats such as riverside deforestation for vacation homes and farm runoff. Yet there were also surprises, like the 660 dams in the watershed. Dams block free-flowing stream habitat and fish movement.
GIS specialist Thom Litts of Wildlife Resources’ Fisheries Section used GIS and Maxent species habitat modeling software to develop a computer model that identifies stream sections in which threatened and endangered fishes might be found. “We’re thinking of this as a probability of suitable habitat,” Litts said.
Next comes fieldwork to vet the modeling, plus additional analysis to determine conservation remedies. Albanese lists protecting important populations of goldline darters and state-endangered holiday, trispot and bridled darters as priority.
There is a silver lining. Sampling showed that goldline darters are “doing pretty well” in the Coosawattee, Albanese said.
The challenge: Making sure this river receives the conservation attention its rank commands.
-----
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Toyota Dealers Nationwide Have Begun Fixing Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles
/PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that Toyota dealers nationwide have received the parts, information and training they need to fix accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles, and that repairs on involved vehicles have begun. The actual repair requires about 30 minutes of work.
The company also announced that it has begun mailing letters to owners of recalled vehicles to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall. Upon receipt of a notification letter, owners will be asked to contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle fixed.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive, and we are determined to live up to the high standards people have come to expect from Toyota over the past 50 years," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "Everyone at Toyota is focused on making this recall simple and trouble-free for our customers," he said.
"We're working hard to ensure that our dealers have the resources and support they need to make sure our customers get their cars fixed quickly," Lentz added. "The parts have been shipped, the dealers are trained, and they are already making the repairs. Many of our dealers are working extended hours - some 24/7- and adding service technicians and other staff to complete the recall campaign as conveniently as possible. I appreciate the efforts that our dealers are making to take care of Toyota owners."
Toyota's engineers developed and rigorously tested a solution to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals that is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly on affected vehicles, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.
Toyota Dealers Going Above and Beyond to Take Care of Customers, Rebuild Confidence and Trust
Toyota dealers across the country are taking extra steps to support customers during this recall.
Many Toyota dealers will offer extended service hours, and some are planning to stay open 24 hours a day until all customer vehicles have been fixed. Others are adding greeters to their service drives, dedicating body shop capacity to expedite repairs, providing free car washes and oil changes, increasing owner communication and providing complimentary maintenance service, among other customer-focused activities.
To support these efforts, Toyota is sending checks of between $7,500 and $75,000 to its dealers in acknowledgement of the additional costs they are assuming to make it easier for customers to have the necessary repairs done quickly and conveniently.
About the Recall to Address Sticking Accelerator Pedals
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with certain accelerator pedal mechanisms that may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
-- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
-- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
-- 2009-2010 Matrix
-- 2005-2010 Avalon
-- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
-- Certain 2010 Highlander
-- 2007-2010 Tundra
-- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are involved in these actions. Also not involved are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to these recalls are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
-----
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The company also announced that it has begun mailing letters to owners of recalled vehicles to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall. Upon receipt of a notification letter, owners will be asked to contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle fixed.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive, and we are determined to live up to the high standards people have come to expect from Toyota over the past 50 years," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "Everyone at Toyota is focused on making this recall simple and trouble-free for our customers," he said.
"We're working hard to ensure that our dealers have the resources and support they need to make sure our customers get their cars fixed quickly," Lentz added. "The parts have been shipped, the dealers are trained, and they are already making the repairs. Many of our dealers are working extended hours - some 24/7- and adding service technicians and other staff to complete the recall campaign as conveniently as possible. I appreciate the efforts that our dealers are making to take care of Toyota owners."
Toyota's engineers developed and rigorously tested a solution to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals that is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the accelerator pedal assembly on affected vehicles, thereby eliminating the excess friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.
Toyota Dealers Going Above and Beyond to Take Care of Customers, Rebuild Confidence and Trust
Toyota dealers across the country are taking extra steps to support customers during this recall.
Many Toyota dealers will offer extended service hours, and some are planning to stay open 24 hours a day until all customer vehicles have been fixed. Others are adding greeters to their service drives, dedicating body shop capacity to expedite repairs, providing free car washes and oil changes, increasing owner communication and providing complimentary maintenance service, among other customer-focused activities.
To support these efforts, Toyota is sending checks of between $7,500 and $75,000 to its dealers in acknowledgement of the additional costs they are assuming to make it easier for customers to have the necessary repairs done quickly and conveniently.
About the Recall to Address Sticking Accelerator Pedals
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with certain accelerator pedal mechanisms that may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
-- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
-- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
-- 2009-2010 Matrix
-- 2005-2010 Avalon
-- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
-- Certain 2010 Highlander
-- 2007-2010 Tundra
-- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are involved in these actions. Also not involved are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to these recalls are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
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